Matt Tierney - Raptors.com
Toronto (51-25) closes out their season series tonight with Charlotte (44-32) at Air Canada Centre. Despite resting both DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors were competitive against a full San Antonio Spurs roster Saturday night in a narrow defeat. The Hornets aspirations at the third spot in the Eastern Conference took a hit Sunday with a loss to the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Nicolas Batum – Mr. Versatility for this Hornets team enters tonight averaging 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds over his last 10 games. Batum has brought a balanced approach to his new team and his ability to do it all on both the offensive and defensive end is a major reason for Charlotte’s rise in the East. In his only meeting with the Raptors, the 27-year old recorded 14 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
Norman Powell</strong – The Raptors rookie continues to make the most of his opportunities. Powell has scored in double figures in six straight games and seems to be the clear choice for the starting small forward position in DeMarre Carroll’s absence. Not only has Powell impressed on offence but his ability to defend opposing teams' best players has put him in good stead with coach Casey.
SEEING WHAT YOU'VE GOT
With a little help from tonight’s opponent, the Raptors can now officially finish no lower than second place in the East.
There are only six games remaining in the 2015-16 regular season and the most important thing for Dwane Casey and his staff is making sure everyone is well rested and healthy for a long playoff run.
“We have to use these next games to continue to improve on some things, work on some things, get some guys some minutes in case they’re used in the playoffs,” said Casey after yesterday’s practice. One of those opportunities came against a full strength Spurs squad where Casey chose to rest Lowry & DeRozan and give minutes to Delon Wright and the youngsters. “It was a great test for Delon, Norm and those young guys to come in that atmosphere, which is one of the toughest in the league, and to get work in.”
Wright, who put up 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals off the bench, appreciated the faith put in him by the coaching staff. "I feel like it was great for me and us. In that type of situation I feel that was great for us,” said Wright yesterday.
With plenty of opportunity for Casey to tinker with his rotations, the news of DeMarre Carroll returning to practice has come at a perfect time.
Casey was asked about Carroll’s progress. "He’s coming. I don’t know what the timetable is, but he’s moving well. There’s no obvious swelling,” was the Raptors coach’s response.
The first-year Raptor also addressed the media after playing some two on two in yesterday’s practice. "I know when I come out it might be rough to start, but I will just have to keep pushing to get over that hump.”
An exact timetable for his return has not been set but Carroll is doing everything he can to get back on the court. "When coach is ready to put me in and ready to call my number, I’ll be ready to play."